Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA)

Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) is a
federation of nonprofit consumer information groups. They provide
objective information on funerals, burials, and cremation so
consumers can choose a funeral that fits their taste, philosophy,
and budget.

They originally started as the Memorial Societies in
the late 1930's during the Depression in response to the increasing
cost of funerals. They now have more than 85 nonprofit
funeral-planning groups across the United States and they continue
to grow.

FCA is not affiliated with the funeral industry - they represent
the consumer by keeping a close eye on the funeral industry. They
are often referred to as "consumer watchdogs" monitoring abuses and
supporting tough regulations to protect grieving consumers from
unethical practices.

Consumers receive accurate information on legal rights as a
funeral consumer and tips for planning ahead - including
information on caring for your own dead without using a funeral director. They work directly with
consumers and advocate for them on a national level.

Working directly with the consumer, FCA will:

Distribute pamphlets and newsletters

Refer consumers to local memorial and funeral planning
societies

Direct consumers to local and regulatory agencies

Provide price surveys of local mortuaries and cemeteries (most
chapters)

Serving as a credible source of information for media covering
death and dying

Facilitating communication between local FCA chapters

What does it cost to become a member of Funeral
Consumers Alliance?

FCA's national headquarters is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization. They ask for voluntary donations, but never
restrict help based on ability to pay. Their website offers
hundreds of articles, newsletters, tip sheets, and blog posts with
information free to the public.

Local FCA chapters are also nonprofit and most
chapters are run by volunteers. They will answer questions by phone
and email to the extent practical for local volunteers. Initial
membership contributions range from $25 to $50. New members receive
a packet with funeral planning forms and the local organization's
latest price survey. Members also receive the local chapter's news
bulletin.

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Funeral Consumers
Alliance, consider becoming a Friend of FCA or become a member of a local
chapter.